UPS granted special permit for electronic reporting of hazmat

WASHINGTON, D.C.--UPS will begin to transmit hazardous material information electronically, by phone, or fax starting June 1, 2014. This new method of communicating "shipping paper" information, authorized by the US Department of...

March 6, 2014
by Canadian Shipper

Categories

Tags

Companies

WASHINGTON, D.C.–UPS will begin to transmit hazardous material information electronically, by phone, or fax starting June 1, 2014. This new method of communicating “shipping paper” information, authorized by the US Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) through Hazardous Materials Special Permit 15747 issued to UPS, only affects UPS small package tractor-trailer operations, the movement of small package shipments between UPS facilities and deliveries by tractor trailer. UPS Freight and all other UPS operations will continue to carry hard-copy shipping papers for hazardous materials, said a release.

In January 2014, UPS and PHMSA began coordinating outreach efforts to educate and inform first responders including fire fighters, police, sheriffs, highway patrol, emergency medical associations and organizations affiliated with these groups about the changes in hazardous materials communications document accessibility for UPS feeder trucks.

With the new procedure, when an inspector or emergency responder requires hazardous material shipping papers, drivers will provide a toll-free number to call for access to documents containing a manifest of any hazardous materials contained in the shipment. This new process will streamline the sharing of information with inspectors and first responders.

“We made it a priority to cut red tape and improve efficiency and moved expeditiously with this special permit,” said PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman. “Sharing hazmat information electronically will improve transportation efficiency without sacrificing public safety.”

“UPS is proud to partner with PHMSA to modernize and improve safety in the transportation industry through this change,” said Sam Elkind, UPS corporate regulated goods manager. “This new procedure not only creates new efficiencies, but will also reduce overall paperwork and streamline the reporting process if an accident or emergency situation occurs.”